Beaten by #2 ??? - Just a Minute for 06-06-08 Friday

Howdy folks… it’s FRIDAY – and the week seemed interminable. But Friday finally got here with a late Spring – early Summer heat wave.  Tornadoes in the mid-west.

 

Tornadoes too on the political front and more to come I fear.

 

Tomorrow (Saturday 06-07-08) is *supposed* to mark the suspension of Mrs. Clinton’s campaign for the Presidency… but we don’t get to the Democrat convention until late August… so… much ado ‘till then.  And within a few days there will be more rumbling and grumbling ‘she’s not abiding by the rules just like she didn’t when it came to not campaigning in Florida etc. etc.

 

The pattern you will be seeing is largely attributable to the major media having to do *something* to keep people looking in on the political front while we wait for the clock to tick on toward Labor Day when campaigning is getting ready to crank up for the main event. Most of this struggle is likely to be behind the ‘arras’. [That’s left over from my HS study of Hamlet…which did me little good I fear.] The correspondents are drug out from spending 16 months on the road following the candidates around from the snows of Iowa until now. The general public will shortly discover – mostly for themselves – is that one cannot win a national campaign strictly along black v. white lines.  But what will be done with all these news salaries and overhead if we don’t put out a news product…. Well… we could all go to the beach or mountains. It would be far more relaxing and reconstructive I think.

 

However the real world isn’t that orderly – and we will be left with Bob Novak’s minions looking through keyholes and Chris Matthews rehashing endlessly his Democrat party bias along with others – trying to breathe some life into this campaign that has reached a pause. Meanwhile I hope someone is talking John McCain into either taking elocution lessons or sticking with the Town Hall type forum where he can stay even or at least come close to matching Obama. Perhaps the rest of us can take up Fishing or baseball until the footballers begin to bash each other in the Fall.

 

Anyway… have a good weekend – join us next week.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

BEATEN BY #2?

Just A Minute – Mrs. Clinton says she will ‘suspend’ her campaign tomorrow. I say don’t believe it.

The Clinton’s never give up -- and the Democrat pros are just beginning to filter out the word winning the black and Hispanic vote just ain’t goin’ to cut it.  

Check South Carolina – Just winning along racial lines won’t provide Democrats a victory. A recent black writer the Greenville News by fellow living in Switzerland did the math and in order for Senator Obama to win either the Republicans have to blow it, or the Democrats must bring in help to win working white voters if you’re playing the color game.

Mrs. Clinton knows this, that’s why she’s ‘suspending’ operations but not quitting. Some kind of accommodation has to be reached, probably behind the scenes in the coming weeks.

David Broder, senior writer at the Washington Post says the same thing just in different words. Most of the media remain interested in ‘keeping the fight going’ in order to keep readers and viewership high for advertising revenues.  The political pros have different goals.   

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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IN BEIJING WATCH WHERE YOU SLEEP -- Just A Minute for 6-05-08 THURSDAY

Hi Folks –

With so much politics going on at home it’s hard to keep track that the rest of the world is still turning and must be attended to.

For instance the Olympics come up shortly in China, The Chinese have helpfully put out a Q&A book – in Chinese of course – reminding visitors of certain rules to be obeyed. They are enumerated in today’s program so you can hear them there.

But there are several reminders to tell you China is NOT the U.S. and you’d better pay attention. For instance:

1. Carry your passport and official papers at all times.

2. Register with the police within 24 hours if you are staying with family or friends…

And it goes on. -- One caught my eye… it’s forbidden to sleep in airports, train stations or parks. So if your plane arrives late… don’t stretch out while waiting for the taxi.

In America we often take our gracious and small freedoms for granted – until – if we’re not vigilant, we wake up to find them gone.

So if you’re going to Beijing for the Olympics… check with the local police before you nod off after a bowl of noodles in the park .

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

“JUST A MINUTE”

WATCH WHERE YOU SLEEP IN BEIJING

Just A Minute – If you’re planning to go to China for the Olympics, you should know – the Chinese have put out a Q&A manual (in Chinese of course) about rules visitors are expected to follow.

1. Carry your passport and official papers at all times.

2. If staying with friends or relatives you must register with local police within 24 hours.

3. Places of entertainment will be closed between 2AM and 8AM. I it is prohibited to sleep in public places including airports, train stations and parks.

4. At major public venues behavior that “disturbs order” is prohibited.

5. Inside Olympic venues it is illegal to display any “religious, political and ethnic slogans, banners and other items.”

6. Those planning marches or demonstrations must apply to police for permission – then we will tell you where and when you may hold them, if at all.

No one could locate an Olympic organizing person who could or would comment on the rules.

Just don’t plan a nap in the airport, train or bus terminal.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

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STEP RITE UP AND TAKE YER CHOICE -- Just A Minute for 06-04-08 Wednesday

Howdy Again Folks…

Gathering around the lunch counter at the Bait Shop and Sushi Bar in Playfair on the Carolina line are the political experts of the border land. It costs nothing to play and everybody’s got an opinion… sometimes two or three and often they don’t agree… even with *themselves* but nobody ever said the Scots-Irish backed away from a good lively discussion – even when it involved crossed swords…or cross words.

In any case, there’s plenty of time to chew it all over… and it will be! Harold Ickes in the Hillary camp says it will go on right up until the Credentials Committee meets in Denver just before the Convention.

Those who are NOT full time political junkies would just as soon go on to something else… but no such luck. It’s going to be here through the leaf-falling season I fear. And the script is going be rather shop-worn and dog-eared before the real election gets here.

Meanwhile there are still important and meaningful primary elections on the local and regional level that deserve attention. It’s just the carpet has already become so worn everyone but the die-hards would just as soon go fishin’ or lying out in the hammock in the shade or most anything but hear another Obama, McCain, Clinton go ‘round… we’ve heard it *all* before – at least we think we have. I have to say though the most riveting videos I’ve seen originate in the Chicago vicinity – but even they get tiresome after the 20^th loop.

Anyone care for a grass-roots campaign to limit campaigning to 4 weeks before the election as the British do?

Thanks for coming by.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

“JUST A MINUTE”

STEP RITE UP AND TAKE YER CHOICE

Homer: Just a Minit – Mr. Jack Th’ fellers over at Earl’n’Lester’s Bait Shop an Sushi Bar has found a Internet place that gives odds on Vice Presidint picks.

MizP: Whut does at mean?

BB: Ah – thos dummies is a-gittin’ ready to lose some dollars -- at’s whut.

MizP: You mean they’s bettin’ on who’ll run fer the VP seat?

Jack: That’s the general idea.

MizP: My Daddy wudda whooped me good...

Homer: Don’cha even want ta' know? -- They’s a-sayin’ a New Yawk newspaper picks Miz Hillirary to be Mr. Barak’s runnin’ mate by 21 % and th’ next pick wud be Virginia’s Sen. Jim Webb by 19%.

Miz P: But who wud hit be on th’ Reepublican side ta' run wif Sen. McCain?

Homer: First choice Gov. Romney by ‘bout 19%, then Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty b‘tween 15 and 16% an then Gov. Huckabee at 14%.

Jack: Who’s doing the picking?

Homer: An outfit that got ever state rite in 2004.

Jack: Well … Don’t go losing all your money…

MizP: I wudn’t touch hit wif a 20 foot pole.

Homer: But here’s th’ payoff…

MizP: Ah don’ wanna hear hit.

Homer: They say they’s about a 40% chance they’s wrong on all the Reepublicans

and b’tween 28 ta' 29 % they’s wrong on th’ Democrats.

Jack: Forget it – hang on to your money. -- I’m Jack Buttram.

(END)

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WHO'S GONNA STEER? Just a Minute for Tuesday June 3, 2008

Howdy Folks…

Well the primary finish line is *finally* in sight. But there are, I think, some long hot summer days left before the decision about the Democrat Party’s Nominee will be clear. The details of where I think the path may lie are in the script below and in the audio file. But it seems apparent the path ahead, at least for the moment, won’t be smooth. But eventually I think all will be fairly well smoothed over – except for one big bump – and his name is Bill.

The Clintons are simply not of a notion to be denied a prize to which they believe they are entitled. Between them they have their differences – but they are agreed on one thing: The Clinton ‘Dynasty’ has more pages of history to write, and they are determined to do it – one way or another. I think you’ll see a rather abrasive contest that at this stage seems to go right down to the Democratic Convention in Denver. There are going to be bruises, but they will be minimized and covered over while the campaign gets underway. Divisions will remain under the surface but if you want a picture of how the Democrats can come together, just look at how the Johnson and Kennedy families made up in the aftermath of the JFK assassination. It’s probably going to happen folks – but remember, the Lord won’t be surprised at all.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

“JUST A MINUTE”

WHO’S GONNA STEER?

Just A Minute – Over the weekend we got a clearer picture of what may happen in the Democrat contest. Miz Hillary apparently can’t win but can threaten what Fox news calls a “scorched earth” policy between now and the Democrat’s late August convention in Denver if she doesn’t get the number two spot on the ticket.

That would solve two problems: 1)Hillary could recoup the eleven million plus she has loaned her own campaign -- from the Obama overflowing treasure chest. And, 2) It would hold the vast number of Democrats who have voted for Madam Clinton from either defecting to McCain or staying home.

The downside also has two parts: 1) Embracing Hillary means you also get Bill, which increasingly looks like adding a loose cannon on the poop-deck: And 2) It gives the disaffected Democrat anti-Clinton voters a reason to stay home and not contribute to the Party.

How would an Obama-Clinton Administration function? Probably no worse than a Kennedy-Johnson one did after 1964.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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TURNCOATS ARE NOT TO BE ADMIRED! - Just a Minute for Monday 06-02-08

Welcome to Monday…

Well, Furman apparently survived the protestors as did the President. I guess only their prestige and self-evaluation got dented a bit.

Today’s JUST A MINUTE comes after several days mulling over what to say plus how to say it about Scott McClellan’s book – which strikes me as a bit weepy. Being on the hot spot in the WH briefing room is nobody’s ‘just dessert’ – at the same time nobody’s holding a gun to one’s head to force them (him or her) to take on the job. Harry Truman’s old “The Buck Stops Here” sign on his desk ought to describe the press secretary’s job efficiently. And while there is that famous picture of him with the “DEWEY WINS” headline of the Chicago paper – grinnin’ like a Chessie Cat… I don’t recall Truman whining about the media treatment – but that was a different day. Still the principles are the same.

What attracted me to Psalm 41:9 was the prophetic aspect of King David’s words… the looking forward over he centuries to another scene when a friend … a familiar friend who dipped his hand in the dish with the Lord betrayed Him. Yet the Lord still… at the very last addressed Judas as “friend”… Amazing. I’m not as diligent as I’d like to be in Bible study. My wife puts me to shame in her attention to detail when she’s preparing for a lesson in our home or at a local nursing home.

My point is simply that we have a sure resource in the Bible and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Don’t forget that. We have as much time as we need – and it’s *all* under HIS control.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

PS – Script and audio link are below.

“JUST A MINUTE”

TURNCOATS ARE NOT TO BE ADMIRED

Just A Minute – Psalm 41:9, King David writes: “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, [who] did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” Matthew Henry writes possibly David thought of his prime advisor, Ahithophel, abandoned his king to join the revolt of Absolom his son.

But David’s prophetic words portray history’s ultimate betrayer – Judas --who broke bread with the Lord on the very night he betrayed Him.

Why do I give a scripture lesson today?

It expresses what many of us feel when a familiar and trusted friend, partaking of the livelihood his master provided, ate with him and within hours betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. That one is eternally held up to scorn, opprobrium and contempt. It helps us understand what happened – who prompted it; and we need to recognize the scope and nature of present battle we are in.

There is forgiveness – Judas did not take it. Jesus at his very last moment addressed his betrayer as “friend.”

Our need is for prayer, better understanding and greater vigilance.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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I LIKE IKE... I EVEN LIKED *HARRY*! -- Just a Minute for Friday 05-30-08

Well the long HOLIDAY week is over. Hope you survived OK.

It’s been a tough week at the White House. Scott McClellan became an instant card-carrying member of the ‘pole-cat party’ with his book of secret revelations that he had never spoken to anyone about before it hit the bookstores. I think it’d be a good idea for Scott to be judicious about where he holds book-signing parties – not too near Republican hangouts. San Francisco might be OK…certain parts of Texas however could be questionable.

So… I’d had this endorsement (see below) from an unexpected quarter here on the desk for a while – and this seemed like a good time to turn it loose.

I can remember how Harry and Bess drove themselves to Union Station on Inauguration day in January 1954. I don’t think retiring presidents had any Secret Service protection after the swearing in ceremony in those days… certainly there was no motorcade as they caught the train back to Independence. The Truman Library is one of two I have visited. Whenever you’re near one of those establishments, you’ll do yourself a favor to sample it even if it’s not your native party. I’ve yet to make it to a Republican one – but hopeful. They’ve gotten more lavish over the years. I think Ike’s is the one I’d like to see most right now. We did visit the D-day memorial in my home county of Bedford in Virginia. And that’s an inspiration, as are most of the memorials you can visit in the Capital City.

Well… enough of the travelog. Summer is underway. The Fourth of July will be here before you know it and it’s a quick downhill from there to Labor Day… so enjoy it. Have a good weekend.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

“JUST A MINUTE”

I LIKED IKE AND HARRY

Just A Minute – I say it’s time the White House gets some good news. So I’m quoting H.V. Kaltenborn who used to open nightly newscast with: “Ah – there’s good news tonight.”(quote)

Seventy one percent of the American public disapproves of how Bush is handling his job as President, an all-time high in polling. His position can be compared with Harry Truman who left Washington unpopular and alone in 1953.

Today, with the passage of time, most historians and certainly the American people, see Truman in a different light, primarily for his willingness to stand firm against Soviet aggression, whether against Greece or South Korea, and proclaim the Truman Doctrine, effectively defending the free world from Soviet efforts to expand their hegemony.

Like Truman, George W. Bush, in my view, will be seen as one of the few world leaders who recognized the danger of Islamic terrorism and was willing with Tony Blair to stand up to it and not capitulate.” (unquote) - columnist and former Democrat Mayor of New York, Edward Koch.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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*REALLY* STRAIGHT TALK - Just a Minute for Thursday 5/29/08 - Dr. Coburn Prescribes

Hi Folks –

 

I was a bit surprised to find a Wall St. Journal story headline describing both Obama and McCain speaking like collectivists.

 

Barack told students at Connecticut's Wesleyan University to devote themselves to "collective service." He totally ignored military (bypassing a Memorial Day remembrance) business, athletics or anything else other than service to the ‘collective.’  Then the story picked up a McCain speech of May 3, 2007 in which McCain was running down Romney and minimizing his leadership abilities saying: “I served out of patriotism … not profit.” Seemingly he would have *everybody* uniform rather like China in the days of Mao.

 

The WSJ writer, David Boaz, went on to point out Obama’s earnings last year were $4.2 million and he lives in a $1.65 million house – via help from Tony Rezko – while McCain and his beer heiress wife divide their time between “at least” seven homes and split an income of about $6 million. I guess Boaz didn’t have space to take on the Clinton fortune. But the point is this is hardly the description of America’s path to prominence in today’s world either.

 

Coburn – a conservative Christian MD from Oklahoma says what’s needed is a return to describing the diligence and dependence upon “a power higher than the government” for continued leadership the world needs.  And I think that’s refreshing.  The shortened version (today’s script) is below along with a link to the audio track.

 

Hope you’ll leave a comment sometime and let us know you’re out there.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack Buttram

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

REALLY STRAIGHT TALK

 

Just A Minute – I was refreshed yesterday after reading “collectivist” language in the Wall Street Journal from both McCain and Obama, to note a call for return of Republican sensibilities by Dr. Tom Coburn, Republican Senator from Oklahoma -- an M.D. who prescribes medicine the patient really needs.

Obama’s commencement speech in New England Sunday urged graduates to seek communal goals, totally ignoring business or individual achievement. Then review of a McCain’s speech in May of 2007 at the Reagan Library debate, the Navy hero derided Romney’s capabilities saying: “I led out of patriotism … not for profit.”

The Journal noted a ‘whiff of hypocrisy’ here since Obama pulled down $4.2 million last year -- living in a $1.65 million house acquired with Tony Rezko’s help, while McCain and Cindy own seven homes on earnings of around $6 million.

Coburn says, “for those who claim, as I do, to submit to an authority higher than government...” conservatives are conservatives promoting policy depending on individual diligence – and of God -- rather than dependence on government.

I go for that.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

 

 (END)

 

 

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WHO'S NEXT? - Just a minute for Wednesday 05-28-08

Howdy Folks…

 

Nice to have a little respite from the primaries… They’ll soon be over – and not soon enough for everyone.

 

The folks over in Playfair on the Carolina line seem to have had their fill and are talking on today’s program about trying something else.  Question is what’s the rest of the country thinking?

 

I’ve run into some pretty pessimistic outlooks recently. One old friend who was a press secretary on Capitol Hill during the same ‘black days’ I was – after the Goldwater defeat in 1964 – and we witnessed the budding of what is later called the ‘Reagan Revolution.’ Lots of inexperienced people who had their first taste of losing a race in 1964 just threw up their hands in despair. It’s quite likely we’re going to have to go through another trough in the days to come if the special elections the Republicans have lost as well as the general lack of $$$ in the GOP treasury compared to the millions laying around the Obama vaults. It’s a real reversal of party roles.

 

At the same time it’s worthy of note that Actor Ronald Reagan became Governor Reagan during that black period. Aimed high for the nomination but missed in the next convention – and it was still a few  years before he actually succeeded Jimmy Carter to the Presidency. America had to get past that ‘malaise’ period of listless drifting before dedication mounted to the point of various political ‘tectonic plates’ moving sufficiently to bring RR to the White House. I’m reminded of the old saying: “The Mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceeding small.” We may well steel ourselves for times of political famine before the tide turns again. I’m not forecasting or wishing for that – just noting that God’s time does not always conform to our time.

 

So… let’s get to  the work at hand the Lord has for us to do.

 

Today’s script and link to the audio are below. God bless you and thanks for coming by.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack Buttram

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

WHO’S NEXT?

 

Homer: Just a Minit – Mr. Jack Th’ fellers over at Earl’n’Lester’s Bait Shop an Sushi Bar thank hit’s time ta' ring down th’ curtin on this farce.

MizP:  Whut in th worl does at mean?

BB: Hit means everbody is tarrd of this politics…

MizP: I agrees one hunnert percent.-- an I thought…

Jack: You thought having a woman in the race would…

MizP: I *hoped* hit wud civilize thangs a bit… but din’t never seem ta take a-hole…

Homer: I b’leves we’s stuck in a hopeless rut.

Jack: Oh ...  now don’t go gettin’ hopeless on us – There have been old times that were a lot worse – and the country is still …

Homer: So whut are you concerned about Mr. Jack?

Jack: I don’t want young people to think there’s no use trying. Actually, our economy isn’t in that bad shape – and the war *is* winding down.

MizP: An we havn’t been attacked like we wuz… thot was a-goin’ ta' happen rite after 9/11…

Jack: That’s it Miz Pearl. We just need a little optimism and …

BB: An quit callin’ on Washintin fer s’much …

Homer: An quit beein’ s’ selfish.

MizP: Souns like a plan ta' me… Ah’m gonna tawk wif my Sunday School teacher and …

BB: I thank we kin call hit th’ Playfair Plan.

Jack: I think we first better to talk with the Lord about it – I’m Jack Buttram.

(END)

 

 

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TIME FOR A CHANGE - JAM for 5/27/08 Education Choice Rollin' Down the Track!

Howdy –

 

With many Republicans and conservatives in a blue funk – here’s some cheering news we ought to emphasize. I confess it had passed me by for I did not realize there are 23 states plus the D.C. government have opted for change involving free choice. The latest is Georgia – last year it was Louisiana and there are about 23 plus the District who are lowering the gates of demographics to keep people out and gradually approaching the standard that if Congressmen can choose where to send their kids to school, the rest of us ought to have the same opportunity.

 

The Teacher’s unions have always been the bugabears… but there’s enough data now to show competition actually makes public schools better, stronger more efficient. And with State budgets being overwrought it’s *good* news we ought to emphasize and ask our lawmakers to get with it. It’s a train coming down the tracks – you can hear the rumble.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack Buttram

 

Script and links are below.

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

TIME FOR CHANGE

Just A Minute – Milton Friedman & Paul Weyrich – are two names to enshrine among those who’ve rescued American children’s education. Georgia and Louisiana have recently passed legislation removing demographic limitations and improving what will ultimately save the failing public school system.

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, just a week or so ago, signed into law what Paul Weyrich, head of Free Congress Foundation, calls the “the most expansive school-choice program in the nation.” So, including Louisiana, -- which passed a similar law last year -- there are now 23 plus school-choice programs in 14 states plus the District of Columbia. It’s coming friends!

Robert Enlow, who heads the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, says, "The old idea of limiting school choice based on family income is coming to an end.”  Politicians afraid voucher programs will destroy the public school system must face the fact competition actually strengthens public schools, and teacher’s union propaganda is a big lie.

Weyrich says, “Lets celebrate this development in Georgia. [It’s] a victory for … all parents concerned for public education in these United States. “
            <> I’m Jack Buttram.

(END)

 

 

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